Published: Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 8:17 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 8:17 a.m.

Facts

Age: 58

Residence: Gerton Family: Three cats

Acupuncture is like the electricity in a house. It creates the energy field by which we live in, or out, of balance. The meridians are like the electric wires whereby the energy is transmitted, and the acupuncture points are like the outlets in the house where we tap the field.

When we needle a point, it sends a message to the meridian or to the organ system to move the Qi (energy) and to harmonize and become balanced. Where there is pain in the body, there is a blockage in the Qi field. Chronic pain comes from the meridians being blocked for a long period of time. Things like surgery, trauma and even emotions can cause blockages in the Qi field. Acupuncture moves the Qi and clears the blockages, thus clearing the pain.

What is herbology, and how does it pertain to personal health?

The herbal pharmacy is our oldest nature-based pharmacy. Most modern pharmaceutical drugs were originally constructed biochemically based on natural herbal substances. In Chinese medicine, the herbal formulas are used to assist the acupuncture treatments, to clear out blockages and to treat pain and other trauma.

Ten years ago, I developed a shingles infection that ran through the nerves to my cornea in my eye. My ophthalmologist told me I would never get off the drugs and that people who didn’t take them risked blindness. My acupuncturist constructed herbal formulas that healed the eye, and put the virus into remission over a period of several years.

As we were working with the herbal formulas, I began to decrease the meds under my doctor’s supervision. I have been drug-free and problem-free for three years now, and my doctor continues to be delighted. This is just one example. Many people dealing with severe medical issues can be helped by herbal medicine. The benefit of it is the few side effects. There are some on occasion; however, they can easily be taken care of by formula modification.

What services do you provide at Rising Phoenix Acupuncture & Herbology?

We offer both needle-free acupuncture and standard acupuncture with very fine sterile needles, herbal medicine, cupping, gua sha, and a specialty called Acutonics, which is acupuncture with tuning forks. Sound is an energy wave, which can also move the Qi in the body and bring great peace and relaxation to the patient.

Five-element acupuncture is a treatment based in the cycles of nature, where harmonizing our bodies with the natural world and the normal cycle of nature from spring through winter. It will harmonize the mind, body and spirit and bring us back into natural balance and vitality.

Each person is different. Treatments are designed specifically for each person and their personal issues. We envision each person in perfect balance, vitality and harmony for every stage and circumstance of life.

What is your background in the field?

I worked for 25 years as a western medical research supervisor and was on the team of scientists at North Carolina Baptist Hospital who developed the V.A.C. I now have a master’s degree in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, having studied classical acupuncture at Daoist Traditions in Asheville for two years before moving to the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture in Gainesville, Fla., to complete my degree in Five Element Acupuncture.

What is the most rewarding part of your profession?

Watching a person get off the treatment table and say “Oh my! My pain is gone!” I have witnessed it over and over, and it is truly wonderful. It happened to me also years ago, and it’s why I chose to study acupuncture. It seems like a miracle, yet when one understands the philosophy and use of the medicine, it is really quite simple.

What is the most challenging part of your profession?

The most challenging part is realizing that often, in order for a person to heal, they must let go of old patterns of activity and behavior that continue to keep them stuck and that continue to perpetuate the symptom. Most of us, myself included, find this a challenge, but when we can do it, life opens to us in new and vibrant ways.

<p>How does acupuncture work? </p><p>Acupuncture is like the electricity in a house. It creates the energy field by which we live in, or out, of balance. The meridians are like the electric wires whereby the energy is transmitted, and the acupuncture points are like the outlets in the house where we tap the field.</p><p>When we needle a point, it sends a message to the meridian or to the organ system to move the Qi (energy) and to harmonize and become balanced. Where there is pain in the body, there is a blockage in the Qi field. Chronic pain comes from the meridians being blocked for a long period of time. Things like surgery, trauma and even emotions can cause blockages in the Qi field. Acupuncture moves the Qi and clears the blockages, thus clearing the pain.</p><p>What is herbology, and how does it pertain to personal health?</p><p>The herbal pharmacy is our oldest nature-based pharmacy. Most modern pharmaceutical drugs were originally constructed biochemically based on natural herbal substances. In Chinese medicine, the herbal formulas are used to assist the acupuncture treatments, to clear out blockages and to treat pain and other trauma.</p><p>Ten years ago, I developed a shingles infection that ran through the nerves to my cornea in my eye. My ophthalmologist told me I would never get off the drugs and that people who didn't take them risked blindness. My acupuncturist constructed herbal formulas that healed the eye, and put the virus into remission over a period of several years.</p><p>As we were working with the herbal formulas, I began to decrease the meds under my doctor's supervision. I have been drug-free and problem-free for three years now, and my doctor continues to be delighted. This is just one example. Many people dealing with severe medical issues can be helped by herbal medicine. The benefit of it is the few side effects. There are some on occasion; however, they can easily be taken care of by formula modification.</p><p>What services do you provide at Rising Phoenix Acupuncture & Herbology?</p><p>We offer both needle-free acupuncture and standard acupuncture with very fine sterile needles, herbal medicine, cupping, gua sha, and a specialty called Acutonics, which is acupuncture with tuning forks. Sound is an energy wave, which can also move the Qi in the body and bring great peace and relaxation to the patient.</p><p>Five-element acupuncture is a treatment based in the cycles of nature, where harmonizing our bodies with the natural world and the normal cycle of nature from spring through winter. It will harmonize the mind, body and spirit and bring us back into natural balance and vitality.</p><p>Each person is different. Treatments are designed specifically for each person and their personal issues. We envision each person in perfect balance, vitality and harmony for every stage and circumstance of life.</p><p>What is your background in the field? </p><p>I worked for 25 years as a western medical research supervisor and was on the team of scientists at North Carolina Baptist Hospital who developed the V.A.C. I now have a master's degree in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, having studied classical acupuncture at Daoist Traditions in Asheville for two years before moving to the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture in Gainesville, Fla., to complete my degree in Five Element Acupuncture. </p><p>What is the most rewarding part of your profession? </p><p>Watching a person get off the treatment table and say “Oh my! My pain is gone!” I have witnessed it over and over, and it is truly wonderful. It happened to me also years ago, and it's why I chose to study acupuncture. It seems like a miracle, yet when one understands the philosophy and use of the medicine, it is really quite simple.</p><p>What is the most challenging part of your profession?</p><p>The most challenging part is realizing that often, in order for a person to heal, they must let go of old patterns of activity and behavior that continue to keep them stuck and that continue to perpetuate the symptom. Most of us, myself included, find this a challenge, but when we can do it, life opens to us in new and vibrant ways.</p>